Originally, it was reported that it was code for older Enterprise products, not the versions used for consumers. In addition, it was claimed that it was a third party and not Symantec's network that was breached.

Since then, it was discovered that Symantec's network was compromised. Following that discovery, it was learned that the secret source code for pcAnywhere, a widely used brand of remote control software was also leaked.

Symantec Corp took the rare step of advising customers to stop using one of its products, saying its pcAnywhere software for accessing remote PCs is at increased risk of getting hacked after blueprints of that software were stolen.

Modena also confirmed that customers running versions of pcAnywhere prior to version 12.0 will be offered a free upgrade to 12.5.

"If requested, Symantec will honor an update to version 12.5 for customers using previous versions of the product," said Modena today. To ask for a free upgrade, users should send the company an email aimed at the pcanywhere@symantec.com address.